Oklahoma City Thunder report Durant set to give maximum effort in team’s quest

Friday

Apr 15, 2016 at 11:41 AM

By Jenni Carlson

By Jenni Carlson

The Oklahoman

(TNS) — Standing on the Thunder practice court in the middle of a few dozen reporters Thursday afternoon, Kevin Durant was asked a simple question.

What is going through your mind as the playoffs start?

The Thunder superstar had an answer that was as unexpected as it was telling.

"I just remember this time last year," he said despite having not been prompted about last season’s injuries or struggles or playoff absence. "Everybody was going home, and I was by myself in here with a cast on. That’s all I can remember.

"To fast forward a year and be in this position to win a championship, it’s a great feeling."

In a season that Durant has returned from devastating injury to be historically great — he is the first player since Michael Jordan in 1988-89 to average better than 28 points, eight rebounds and five assists a game — he has been eclipsed by much bigger story lines. Golden State winning 73 games. San Antonio roaring back to title contending status. Kobe Bryant retiring and scoring 60 points in his finale.

Every headline, click and mention that those stories scored?

Completely and totally legit.

But all of it made Durant — in a contract year, no less! — a forgotten man.

Now is his chance to remind us just how good he is. Starting Saturday night against Dallas, he can make us appreciate his greatness. Continuing as long as the Thunder remains in the playoffs, he can show us that he is better than ever.

The playoffs are where great players cement their legacies. This is where the biggest shots are hit. This is where the toughest games are won. And under that playoff pressure, Durant has been spectacular over the years. He’s had huge moments against the Grizzlies and the Lakers and the Clippers and the Spurs and so many others.

It solidified his standing as one of the best players on the planet.

But since his injury last season, other great players rose up to meet his greatness — or even pass it. First came Steph Curry, muscling his way onto a pedestal that Durant shared only with LeBron James. Then came Kawhi Leonard, trying to push Durant clean off the platform.

There’s a good chance that when the All-NBA Team comes out, Durant won’t even make the first team. Only two forwards are allowed, and LeBron is a near certainty while Kawhi is likely to beat out Durant for the other spot.

It’s not that Durant’s star has dulled. It’s just that there are more luminaries.

And the answer he gave Thursday about his mindset heading into the playoffs is evidence that Durant sees these playoffs as a huge opportunity. He is mindful of how it felt to be sidelined during last year’s lost season. He is conscious of how much work he put in to get back on the court and back to playing like this.

The truth is, he’s actually playing a more complete and well-rounded game than he ever did before. His rebounding average is a career high, his passing continues to improve and his defense, while not perfect, is as good as it has ever been.

Watch for that defense in these playoffs. When Durant is really locked in, his defense is stout. He’s so long and so athletic that he can be a real beast on the defensive end. See that defensive focus, and you can bet Durant will be playing at a high level.

If his reflection Thursday on last year’s injury and disappointment and rehab are any indication, Durant will be focused and fueled.

"I’m always fueled," he said. "It’s just being grateful that I get a chance to play at the highest stage of basketball in the playoffs against the best players in the world, in the best league in the world."

Does that mean the Thunder will win a bunch of series? Does that mean Oklahoma City can best San Antonio and Golden State and Cleveland?

That’s anyone’s guess. But Durant sure sounds like he’s spent the better part of a year getting ready to do his part.

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